Garlic cloves are the main ingredient, and they are typically marinated in a mixture of spices, oil (like mustard oil), salt, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice for pickling. 

Common spices include mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, and sometimes cumin or other aromatic spices. 

Garlic pickle offers a unique combination of flavors: the pungent, slightly sweet taste of garlic is balanced by the tangy and spicy notes from the spices and pickling ingredients. 

The garlic cloves retain their shape during pickling, becoming slightly softer and more tender